River safety petition attracts over 2,000 signatures

A petition calling for the erection of ‘No Swimming’ signs and lifebuoys along the river bank attracted over 2,000 signatures, and on Monday night organisers Lisa Kelly and Paul O’Sullivan visited Mallow Chamber where they presented a petition to Mayor Noel O’Connor. Speaking to councillors, Lisa said that, while Mallow people were always well aware of the dangers posed by swimming in the river, many people have moved into the area in recent years who would not have this knowledge. For that reason, she said, the council should put signs along the riverbank warning people of the dangers posed by swimming there, and also lifebuoys so that if someone gets into difficulty, friends or passersby would be able to help. Cllr Willie O’Regan, who also had a motion before the meeting on the same matter said that he had met the local Search and Rescue group a couple of times to discuss the issue, but sadly a life was lost in the meantime. On the suggestion of Cllr Dan Joe Fitzgerald, the council is to carry out a risk assessment of the river, with a view to erecting signage, and Mallow River Rescue will speak at a Joint Policing Committee public meeting in December to outline the steps the organisation believes should be taken. Meanwhile, Mayor O’Connor recommended that people take part in life-saving courses which are held regularly at Mallow Swimming Pool. “The Mallow pool will facilitate all schools in providing proper lifesaving and swimming instruction,” he said.